Gradually people are becoming more aware of the importance of the environment and damage caused by global warming. Hence they are trying to help to reduce environmental damage. One of the best ways to reduce the usage of mains water and decrease the amount of water which flows through the storm-water drains is installing a water tank. Till recently Australia suffered from a drought for an extended period, and many areas of the country are still adversely affected. The drought on rural areas has gradually also affected the metropolitan parts of Australia. Many of the largest cities in Australia have strict restrictions on the usage of water.
Till a few years ago, the rainwater stored in the water tank was sufficient for most people living in rural areas. However, due to drought, these people have to purchase water tanks with a larger capacity as a backup to supplement their current stock of rainwater which is drinkable. Every resident who is consuming water has become accustomed to dealing with restrictions on water supply, the usage which is imposed by the local councils, water supply departments, and the government. These water-related restrictions are necessary since Australia’s population is growing rapidly and global warming is increasing. This has increased the demand for the limited water reserves and they may get used up.
To encourage the local residents and public to invest in a rainwater tank for their personal use, many local councils, governments and water supply authorities introduced a scheme offering rebates on purchase and installation a few years ago. The government found that it was more economical if people installed their own water tanks, instead of the government investing huge amounts of money to construct new dams. These water tanks would also reduce the runoff of water, which can adversely affect the environment since the water table is adversely affected, and the rivers can get flooded.
After rebates for water tanks were introduced, there was a major boom in businesses related to water tank manufacturing and installation. Many families and individuals installed two water tanks in their attempt to be environmentally friendly. This led to a massive rise in the number of companies manufacturing water tanks in the eastern coastal regions of Australia to fulfill the massive increase in demand for the tanks in the urban areas. The bubble created in the rainwater tank business has burst now since the supply of water tanks is far greater than the demand.
This is good for the consumers since they pay lower prices, yet small manufacturers of water tanks are finding it difficult to survive. Much small manufacturing and reselling businesses owned by families are forced to close their businesses due to the high levels of competition.
The plumbing sector has also greatly benefited from the increase in demand for rainwater tanks. The government has made it mandatory to hire a licensed plumber for installation if the tank water is used for flushing the toilet or doing laundry using a washing machine. To be eligible to get the maximum rebate on water tanks offered by the local government, it is necessary that the homeowner has a registered plumber certify that the installation of the water tank conforms to norms. Rainwater tank businesses have also benefited from the BASIX regulations which were introduced. All the new properties developed have to comply with the tanks regulations in Australia. These specify that it is mandatory to install a water tank for every major renovation or new house constructed. Hence, developers, builders are purchasing rainwater tanks so that their buildings, house comply with new regulations and are approved by the local authorities.
Many builders are finding that few rainwater tanks are available due to the increased demand. Hence the builders have to sometimes wait for up to 12 weeks for delivery of their water tank, or more typically 3 to 4 weeks. Some tank buyers may find a supplier with rainwater tanks in stock, yet they may not get their preferred fitting position and colour choices. Hence it is advisable to order the required rainwater tank well in advance. Rainwater tanks will become a permanent feature also and most backyards will include them. They help in preserving the environment, and people will get personal satisfaction from using the rainwater collected from the roof, which would be otherwise drained away.
